CERRITOS - It didn’t take long for Beckman’s newest offensive star to make a splash in a 42-0 nonleague victory Friday over Cerritos at Gahr High.

Sophomore Keith Lawson of the Patriots (1-0) ran the opening kickoff back for an 80-yard score, the first kickoff return for a touchdown in school history.

“It’s all about the wedge in kickoff returns,” Lawson said. “They all blocked for me and I was able to take it up the sideline.”

Lawson continued his tear with 109 rushing yards in the first half and another touchdown.

In the second half, senior Tyler Sackman took control of the running game with his punishing downhill style, accumulating 111 yards and a score.

“I like when Keith goes in first because they get used to the speed,” Sackman said. “Then I come in with the power … I just try to run straight with my shoulder pads down.”

Beckman fullback Christian Mejia also pitched in with some brusing running, scoring two touchdowns in the second quarter.

“The O-line got me where I needed to be and all I had to do was lean forward,” Mejia said.
 

Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com